BY Prashant Shah
Vivek Ramaswamy. an entrepreneur, is making significant political moves, announcing his plans to run for Ohio Governor as he steps down from his role co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he held alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk. This decision came shortly after the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20.
Ramaswamy’s exit from DOGE follows growing tensions within the political sphere, especially regarding his public stance on the H1-B visa program. In late December, Ramaswamy criticized the hiring practices of tech companies, claiming that a mindset in American culture had "venerated mediocrity over excellence." This view, particularly on the reliance on foreign workers in the tech industry, did not sit well with many within Trump’s base, leading to a strained relationship with some MAGA supporters. Politico reported that Musk himself had grown increasingly dissatisfied with Ramaswamy, pushing for him to step down from DOGE. Sources close to the situation indicated that the tensions ultimately led to a decision to part ways, with a Republican strategist noting that Ramaswamy’s comments had "burned through the bridges" and caused significant friction within Trump’s team.
As Ramaswamy prepares for his gubernatorial campaign, his departure from DOGE aligns with the structure of his planned candidacy. In a statement, Trump transition spokesperson Anna Kelly acknowledged Ramaswamy's contributions to DOGE, but noted that his campaign for governor necessitated his exit. A source also confirmed that while Ramaswamy and Musk were now on good terms, it was simply not feasible for Ramaswamy to pursue both a gubernatorial bid and a leadership role at DOGE simultaneously.
The decision to run for Ohio Governor also highlights the growing divide within the Trump orbit regarding policy on immigration and skilled labor. Ramaswamy had voiced his support for expanding the H1-B visa program, which garnered criticism from more conservative factions. Musk, too, had expressed the need to attract top engineering talent to the United States, arguing that the country lacked sufficient numbers of highly motivated engineers. His stance, along with Ramaswamy’s, was seen as at odds with the broader immigration concerns of Trump’s base.
At a rally on January 19, President Trump made no mention of changes to the leadership of DOGE but expressed confidence in the efforts being undertaken by Ramaswamy and Musk. "We have Vivek and some great people working on a thing called costs," Trump said, referring to the ongoing initiatives aimed at government efficiency.
In addition to his gubernatorial ambitions, Trump had reportedly encouraged Ramaswamy to consider running for the Ohio Senate seat that would soon be vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is expected to appoint a temporary replacement until voters select a senator in the 2026 midterms, which has opened the door for further speculation about Ramaswamy’s political trajectory.
With his decision to enter the Ohio Governor’s race, Ramaswamy is positioning himself for a significant shift in his political career, moving from a role in the Trump administration to a potential leadership position within one of the key swing states. His path reflects the intersection of business, politics, and immigration policy, with the outcome of his campaign likely to have a substantial impact on both state and national politics.
(With the input of ANI)